Allergy Shots for Dogs

The Allergic Reaction Explained

In the typical allergic reaction, a reactive chemical called histamine is released from granules in a cell called a mast cell. The mast cells are stimulated to release this chemical by a protein (which is actually a type of antibody) called IgE.

IgE is specific for certain allergens (which are foreign proteins found in pollens, foods, molds, etc.). When the body is exposed to certain levels of specific allergens, it responds by releasing IgE specific for that allergen.

The IgE then stimulates the mast cells. The mast cells in turn release histamine (“degranulate”) which causes the inflammatory reactions seen in common allergies.

In people, the offending chemical IgE and mast cells, are in highest concentrations in the respiratory tract and mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth), but in dogs the concentration is much higher in the skin.

This is why people more often have “hay fever” symptoms and dogs experience itchy skin.

Common Signs of Allergies in Dogs

Our canine friends can experience several common allergies, from itchy skin to bodily infections. Here are some common signs of allergies in dogs:

• Dry, Itchy Skin
• Excessive scratching and licking, especially of paws and hind quarters
• Reddish skin
• Loss of fur
• Skin and ear infections
• GI (Gastrointestinal) signs, including vomiting, diarrhea, etc

Your dog’s allergic reactions might vary in severity, and there are many types of allergies whose signs might not be immediately noticeable. It’s important to check in with your local veterinarian if you believe your dog is exhibiting signs of allergies. You can also consult our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.

The Treatment — Desensitization

The itchiness and inflammation caused by allergies can be treated by a process called desensitization. It will help control signs of skin and ear problems due to environmental allergens.

When the allergens can’t be avoided — like we can with food allergies — desensitization is the only way to head off the symptoms before they require medical intervention.

Desensitization against allergens is also called allergen immunotherapy (or allergy shots, or allergy drops, depending on how they are administered to your pet).

We treat environmental allergies with an individualized method to target the culprits in your individual pet — each pet’s system is unique.

Desensitization is the process of slowly introducing increasing quantities of an allergen extract to your pet. This can be done using drops in the mouth or injections under the skin.

Environmental allergies usually respond very well to desensitization —70 percent of dogs respond very well to allergy shots, often eliminating the need for other medications the pet may have been given to control signs.

Types of Allergy Shots for Dogs

Many common allergens affect our furry friends, especially smaller dogs. Flea, food, and inhalants can all bother our pets before we notice, caused by everything from flea bites to soy and wheat allergies. Homes contain dust mites, pollen, and moulds, and seasonal changes can affect your dog’s quality of life.

If your pet has a recurring dog skin allergies , your veterinarian might give them immunotherapy shots (allergy shots) or Cytopoint injections. Typically, immunotherapy involves gradually introducing small amounts of allergens to build a tolerance, while Cytopoint injections block the proteins triggering your dog’s itch.

Immunotherapy or Allergy Shots For Dogs: A series of injections containing diluted allergens. This boosts your dog’s immune system by targeting and strengthening their sensitivity to these reactive allergens. This treatment is done through subcutaneous injections or oral drops.

Cytopoint Injections: This medication blocks specific proteins that are responsible for sending the “itch” signal to your dog’s brain. This provides long-lasting relief from itchiness and can work for several weeks between injections.

Your pet’s veterinarian might prescribe additional treatments, such as oral medications alongside the Cytopoint Injections and immunotherapy. Steroid injections are also an option, which provides temporary relief and is not considered a long-term solution.

Allergy testing is also an option, and the veterinarian might conduct skin or blood tests to identify specific allergens and get to the bottom of your dog’s sensitivities to build a more effective immunotherapy plan.

Common Environmental Allergens

Tree pollen – spring and early summer months
Grass pollen – summer months
Weed pollen – summer months, including early fall months
House dust mites – year round, with worsening of signs in fall and
winter months
Molds – year round, with worsening of signs in moist weather
Feathers – may or may not be seasonal depending on source of
exposure
Human dander – year round for indoor pets

Seasonal vs. Year-Round Allergens

Seasonal Allergens

Atopic dermatitis and other pet skin sensitivities are often caused by seasonal allergens. Seasonal dog allergens can include:

• Tree Pollens (cedar, ash, oak)
• Grass Pollens
• Weed Pollens (Ragweed, Dandelion)
• Molds
• Mildew
• Dust Mites

Allergens that occur seasonally can be frustrating to deal with, especially if you don’t know which ones are causing your dog’s sensitivities. By paying attention to your dog’s behaviors and working with their veterinarian, you can work out which allergens are responsible.

Year-Round Allergens

Year-round allergens often come from inside the home, and your dog’s itchy skin may be because of molds, mildew, and dust mites. Because dogs rub their face, lick their feet, and scratch their underarms and hind quarters, they can spread these allergens quickly.

Dogs with itchy skin typically show signs between 1-3 years old, and affected animals might react to several different allergens at once. Your veterinarian may attempt to figure out the offending allergens through skin tests or blood tests, and will advise you on how to limit your dog’s exposure to things that cause these sensitivities.

How Immunotherapy Works

Immunotherapy works by introducing small amounts of what the pet is allergic to and gradually increasing the dose over time, so that the pet builds a tolerance to these allergens.

This is most often done via injections under the skin, but in some instances is completed via daily drops placed under the tongue (sublingual allergy drops).

Immunotherapy must be continued for at least one year before effectiveness can be determined. During this first year, the pet will also take medication to control the allergic signs.

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Benefits of Immunotherapy

About 70% of pets respond positively to the treatment leading to an improved long-term patient quality of life.

Allergy desensitization is a safe and effective treatment and is the only treatment proven to help prevent progression of allergies as pets get older.

It’s a cost-effective treatment option for long-term use compared to chronic administration of medications approved for allergy symptom control.

Many people are stopped by the cost of immunotherapy up front, but if they were to add up all financial costs of the exams, tests, pills, injections, and topical medications that they end up buying to treat the chronic skin and ear issues — plus the physical cost to their pets from the chronic inflammation and infections, then immunotherapy will almost always pay for itself in the long run.

Allergy injections do not cure allergies, but they do help control the symptoms. Allergy injections will likely be necessary for the life of the patient.

Food & Flea Allergy Shots for Dogs

Unfortunately, injections for flea bite allergies do not work in most pets.

Strict flea control measures must be implemented for allergic pets and for all other pets in the home.

Food Allergies are unable to be controlled with an allergy vaccine and must be avoided. Any food indiscretion (food or treat outside of the approved ingredients) may result in the return of your pets symptoms.

When Allergy Shots Aren’t the Answer

There are many alternatives to allergy shots that can improve your dog’s quality of life. While the best way to treat an allergy is to avoid the causes, this isn’t always possible. Treatments are based on what type of allergy your dog has—for example, if your dog has a flea allergy, their veterinarian will prescribe medications that kill fleas. If they’re allergic to a specific food, it’s time for a change in diet.

Your veterinarian might prescribe different things, such as antihistamines for hives, medicated shampoos for fleas, or fish oil and other Omega-3 fatty acid supplements for food allergies. They might prescribe dog-safe anti-inflammatory wipes for skin allergies, or special shampoos that provide relief from skin irritation.

Some lifestyle changes might be necessary. Your dog’s veterinarian may prescribe additional allergy relief medications, especially if your pet is displaying additional signs associated with common allergic reactions. Secondary skin infections could develop because of certain irritants.

Important: If your dog has a severe allergic reaction, you need to get them to an emergency veterinary hospital as soon as possible. Call ahead and let the waiting staff know what to expect. Contact us today if you have any worries at all.

When Will My Pet Improve?

While some pets improve within weeks, most pets require 6 to 9 months of therapy to see benefit. Some may take one to two years to show improvement.

Many people are stopped by the cost of the testing up front, but if they were to add up all financial costs of the exams, tests, pills, injections, and topical medications that they end up buying to treat the chronic skin and ear issues; plus the physical cost to their pets from the chronic inflammation, irritation, discomfort, and infections from the allergies, then testing will almost always pay for itself in the long run.

The response to the treatment may be complete control of symptoms or there may be partial control. If there is partial control, other medications may still be necessary for control of the remaining symptoms.

During the first few months of the injection program many pets will require additional medications (such as an antihistamine or low doses of a cortisone drug) until control is achieved.

As the allergy injections take effect and as the symptoms subside, these medications should be gradually reduced/weaned.

Monitoring Your Pet After Treatment

Most animals adapt to receiving allergy shots readily and adverse reactions to the allergy vaccine are rare.

Reactions are generally mild, but should always lead to a discussion with your veterinarian before you give the next dose.

If you notice any of the following, make sure to note it on your workbook and call Paoli Vetcare.

Common reactions to immunotherapy include:
• Inflammation at the site of the injection
• Increase in itchiness and redness

Extremely rare reactions include the following and require that you contact your pet’s doctor immediately:
• Collapse
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Facial swelling
• Hives
• Excessive salivation
• Vomiting
• Weakness

Please remember that allergies also can change with age, so the results of one test may not be the same years later as new allergies can develop with time.

If a patient that has been doing well on injections for a period of time develops symptoms again, it is often recommended to retest to be sure a new allergy has not developed. If one has, then the serum for the injections needs to be changed.

Side Effects of Allergy Shots for Dogs

Allergy shots can cause side effects in dogs, though typically these reactions are mild and don’t last long. Swelling or redness can build at the injection site, and in rare cases, there can be severe allergic reactions to the shots.

It’s important to monitor your dog after each shot and immediately report any adverse reactions to their vet. If you need more information about these side effects, speak with the veterinary staff at Poali Vetcare.

Dog Breeds with Hereditary Allergies

Due to the hereditary nature of the disease, several breeds, including mixed breed dogs can have atopic dermatitis, especially most terriers, Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters, Lhasa Apsos, Dalmatians, Bulldogs, and Old English Sheep dogs. Here is a comprehensive list of dogs that may inherit dog allergies:

• Boston Terrier
• Boxer
• Bull Terrier
• Cairn Terrier
• Chihuahua
• Chinese Shar-Pei
• Cocker Spaniel
• Dalmatian
• English Bulldog
• English Setter
• German Shepherd
• Golden Retriever
• Gordon Setter
• Irish Setter
• Jack Russell Terrier
• Labrador Retriever
• Lhasa Apso
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Pug
• Scottish Terrier
• Shih Tzu
• West Highland White Terrier
• Wirehaired Fox Terrier
• Yorkshire Terrier

Cost & Commitment of Allergy Shots for Dogs

The cost of allergy shots can vary widely based on area, need, and case. Dog allergy shots in the Philadelphia area can range between $1,000 – $ 4,000 average allergy shots cost per year. Shots are long-term treatments, and immunotherapy is designed to desensitize your dog to specific allergens over time by regularly administering doses.

Pet owners can give some of these shots at home, which can reduce treatment costs. The total cost of pet allergy shots comes from the prices of vet exams, allergy tests, follow-up exams, serums and equipment, injection appointment costs, and more. Before treatments begin, your dog’s veterinarian must diagnose the specific allergens affecting your dog.

Are Allergy Shots Right for My Dog?

Paoli Vetcare offers personalized, individual care for each pet that consists of thorough diagnoses and specific treatments. Your dog’s veterinarian will determine candidacy based on the severity of allergies, how long your dog has been sensitive to allergens, and the specifics of how their allergies are affecting your pet’s quality of life. By taking blood and skin tests, they can also confirm the diagnosis, determine which medications or treatments are necessary, and consider immunotherapy options.

The veterinarians at Paoli Vetcare have years of experience diagnosing and treating common and uncommon dog and pet allergies and their symptoms. If you’re worried about your pet and considering treatment options, bring them by the clinic. We can’t wait to see you both! Schedule a visit now.

Do Allergy Shots Work For Cats and Other Pets?

Immunotherapy and allergy shots are primarily used for dogs and cats to treat their allergies and environmental sensitivities. Sometimes immunotherapy is used for other animals, like horses, but it is most common with our feline/canine buddies.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy is very effective at treating airborne allergies, and the process varies from pet to pet. Typically, it can take up to a year to see real results, both for the pet and the pet owner. Other pets can cause allergic reactions as well. If you have a multi-pet home, rabbits, rodents, and birds can cause allergic reactions in your cat or dog. Hypoallergenic pets include frogs, fish, and reptiles.

Pet allergies can affect everyone, not just the pet. If you or your pet are experiencing nasal inflammation, sneezing, coughing, a scratchy throat, or asthma symptoms, bring them in to Paoli Vetcare so we can get you on the path to better treatment.

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